How to complete an application form in English – A1 beginner writing lesson with an example form, tips and exercises

An application form

In this A1 beginner English writing lesson, you'll learn how to fill in an application form in English. Many organisations, such as libraries, schools, clubs and services, ask you to complete forms with your personal information.

In this lesson, you'll study a model application form, learn common vocabulary used on English-language forms, and practise important writing skills such as entering personal details, writing dates, using capital letters and completing form fields correctly. You'll also complete exercises to help you understand how forms are organised and what information is required.

By the end of the lesson, you'll be able to complete simple application forms confidently and accurately in English.

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Reading text

Library card application

First nameMIKE
Last nameESPOSA-HERNANDEZ
Date of birth08/11/1991
Address4 CHARLES ROAD, GLOUCESTER
PostcodeGL1 3ZE
Phone07796 345678
Emailm.esposa@example.com

I declare the information provided is correct.

Signature Mike Esposa-Hernandez

Date 03/07/2018

 

Your checklist

Have you got everything you need?

[ ✔ ] a passport photo

[ ✔ ] a copy of my passport or other photo ID

[ ✔ ] proof of address

Your card will be issued within 15 days and sent to the address provided.

Key vocabulary for forms

When you complete an application form, you often see these words and phrases. Understanding them will help you fill in forms correctly.

Personal Information

  • First name
  • Last name / Surname
  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Age
  • Nationality

Contact details

  • Address
  • Postcode
  • Phone number
  • Mobile number
  • Email address

Identification

  • Passport
  • Photo ID
  • Passport photo
  • Proof of address

Vocabulary for completing forms

  • Application form
  • Signature
  • Date
  • Information provided
  • Declaration
  • Required field
  • Please complete
  • Tick the box
  • Submit

Many of these terms appear on real-world forms for libraries, schools, clubs, healthcare services, travel documents and online registrations.

Date Formats and Form Conventions

When filling in forms, it is important to follow local writing conventions and present information clearly.

1. Writing Dates Correctly

Date formats are not the same in every country.

United Kingdom (UK):

  • DD/MM/YYYY
  • Example: 01/09/2018
  • Meaning: 1 September 2018

United States (US):

  • MM/DD/YYYY
  • Example: 09/01/2018
  • Meaning: September 1, 2018

Because the numbers can be interpreted differently, always check which format is required before completing a form.

2. Using Capital Letters

Many paper forms ask you to write in capital letters (BLOCK CAPITALS) because they are easier to read.

Example:

  • Mike Esposa-Hernandez → MIKE ESPOSA-HERNANDEZ
  • 4 Charles Road → 4 CHARLES ROAD

Email addresses and signatures are usually written in their normal format.

3. Entering Information Exactly

Always copy personal information carefully.

Check:

  • spelling of names
  • numbers in addresses
  • postcode details
  • phone numbers
  • email addresses

Small mistakes can cause delays or problems with applications.

Before you submit

Use this simple checklist:

  1. Capital letters used except for email and signature
  2. Dates written in the correct format
  3. Ask for help if you don't understand
  4. All required fields completed
  5. Names spelled correctly
  6. Contact details checked

Following these conventions will help you complete English-language forms accurately and professionally.

Task 1

Task 2

Task 3

Discussion

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Average: 4.2 (19 votes)
Profile picture for user davevud

Submitted by davevud on Wed, 21/02/2024 - 06:38

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The last form that I have filled is my online English Class. I do not need to fill much information. All I need is my first name, surname, my age, my telephone number, my email and my address.

Submitted by Imane Al herchi on Sun, 14/01/2024 - 12:54

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Hello, the last form i filled was an application for a job

Submitted by LUCIE LE on Thu, 11/01/2024 - 08:12

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The last form I filled in is produce survey. My manager want to know our product have matching with customer's demands so that he make the form and ask us to evaluate about color, design, style, pattern.... We have to make that twice a year because we have two season to produce items for customer.

Profile picture for user HIROKITO

Submitted by HIROKITO on Sun, 24/12/2023 - 03:19

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People usually fill in form for something as library card or something that they need. But I'm different to them. I make an applicetion for fun=))). I haven't needed to borrow any books or any things because my mother is a staff in a big library so I don't have to write anyword to borrow a book. Only I was just answer my mother about how long I will use it and my mother'll fill the applicetion form instead of me. But, perhaps i haven't fill in it, I don't know how it was. And now, i'm studying to make an application form

Submitted by Potter007 on Thu, 09/11/2023 - 19:52

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It's sounds interesting, but it was form for library. Recently I changed place of my live. I work as Test Engineer and I needed some book for my work. Next to my house locates small library. I went to the library and first thing that I needed to do - was the application form. After I filled this form I got a plastic card and my book for electronics.

Submitted by white shadows on Thu, 09/11/2023 - 10:41

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The last form I fill was a application form for high school.

Submitted by Pandavarajashekar on Sun, 05/11/2023 - 04:28

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the last form 4days back i filled is my DXC company survey form for training availability. it contains the info like name, email, degree percentage, phone number...etc.
thank you.

Submitted by Muneer. Qmohammed on Mon, 30/10/2023 - 21:06

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The last form i fille was passport assue form from interior minestry.

Submitted by Ty Pham on Wed, 11/10/2023 - 04:52

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Yesterday, I filled in a Google form which is a mid-autumn party survey. My company wants to know how we feel about this party so that the office admin can organize a better party for the next year.

Submitted by jerrylovely on Fri, 22/09/2023 - 04:23

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I have applied for certificate course, that is the recent one which I filled the application form.